National Landmarks and Historic Honolulu

Iolani Palace

Located in downtown Honolulu, the Iolani Palace is a national historic landmark and was once the royal residence of the rulers of Hawaii. The Iolani Palace was the official residence of King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Liliuokalani. Experience Hawaiian royalty for yourself with a trip for yourself or an Iolani Palace tour.

It’s said that the Iolani Palace tells the story of Hawaii and its people. Built in 1882, the palace was heavily influenced by European architectural styles, and was the first royal residence in Hawaii to have electric lights, indoor plumbing, and telephones. Later when Hawaii was made the 50th state, it was used as the capitol building.

Today the Iolani Palace is open to the public. Both professional guided tours and self-guided audio tours are available to the palace Tuesdays through Saturdays. About half of the original furnishings have been restored to the Iolani Palace to give it the authentic look of its royal heyday. Besides the Ioloni Palace in Honolulu, the other royal palace is Huliheʻe Palace in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island.

The Iolani Palace is also available as a venue for private events like weddings and special occasions.

Other nearby landmarks in Honolulu include the King Kamehameha Statue, Hawaii State Art Museum, Kawaiahao Church, Punchbowl Crater, Honolulu Chinatown, and Honolulu Academy of Arts.

Tips for Going to the Iolani Palace

Self-guided audio tours of the first and second floors take about 45 minutes and are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Hawaiian, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean.

A shorter tour alternative of Basement Gallery Exhibit is available and lasts around 30 minutes.

Make a day of your trip and combine your Iolani Palace tour with a trip to Honolulu Chinatown or the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

Why Choose Imi Tours

Our quality starts with dedicated, passionate and local employees who welcome you to our beautiful state of Hawaii. Safety and dependability, developed through never ending training, are the cornerstones of our service.